It’s rare to come across as dynamic a storyteller as Talay. The London-born, LA-based singer-songwriter has written tunes for the likes of Nick Jonas, Britney Spears, Ellie Goulding and Martin Garrix, to name a few. His writing traverses genres, styles and moods, bringing to life energetic stories of love, heartbreak and adventure, each with an unparalleled sense of honesty.

Now, Talay is working on telling his own story. Signed to iconic label Island Records, he’s working on a debut album that showcases his unique personal sound. “It’s been a lot of fun finding my own voice and coming into my own,” he says of the process. “I’m free to just be me and be super truthful.”

Growing up in East London, Talay was always surrounded by music – Sing-alongs and church choirs were a large part of his family time. “It was always there,” he remembers, “and always organic.” Singing since he was four years old, he began writing poetry and freestyle rapping with his friends in school. “People started telling me I should record,” he says, so he did, crooning hooks for rappers and writing songs for girl groups. Before long, he was penning songs for artists including Chris Brown and Usher. “It’s always fascinating to put on a different personality and play different roles,” he says, noting the apparent diversity in his writing portfolio.

His influences are just as varied. From Ray Charles to Coldplay, Amy Winehouse to Rascal Flatts, Talay cites a musical great from just about every genre, and gets strikingly excited by the innovation hears on Soundcloud. “I try and pull inspiration from everywhere,” he says. “I always want to be able to switch it up.” His own sound incorporates his love for blues, pop, R&B, hip-hop, country and EDM. Tuxedo is a high-energy R&B-infused pop track with elements of electronic music. A self-proclaimed “movie nerd,” Talay asserts that the song was inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby. True to the film, it’s upbeat, colorful and smooth, with an irresistible call to dance. “I love high energy songs that make people wanna move and feel good,” he says. Not Enough, his new track, is certainly a feel good love song. It’s sexy and soulful, showing off an impressive falsetto and vocal range.

In addition to movies, Talay uses his own personal experiences as inspiration. He values substance and connection, writing songs that have real messages aimed at real people. When writing for others (upcoming credits include records for Keke Palmer, Disciples and Jason Derulo), Talay appreciates collaboration and authenticity, tenets he hopes are apparent in his own music. “I just want to give people great vocals, great melodies and lyrics that people can connect with,” he says. “I want to bring a lot of feeling.”

It Needs To BE CED

Who is BIG CED?

I’ve had the pleasure and some displeasure knowing Big Ced for the better half of 40 years! I’ve watched him create himself several dozen times for various reasons both professionally and personally. I’ve seen him change for family, for women, for work, for school & by choice. I could call him an innovator, I could call him a copycat, I have called him a promoter, an enthusiast, a writer, and a knucklehead and that was all on the same day. He’s been very fortunate with relationships that have allowed him to continue to rise to many varied occasions & He has not allowed the naysayers & detractors to destroy how great he is to himself or how great he could be in real life. He’s a pretty good friend, when he’s not giving advice, he’s a damn good son, but not always a good brother. He has taken shots, knots, go aways and plenty of Hell No Ced…but like the famous Timex slogan…he has kept on ticking…he’s A King In His Own Right or Mind…and he’s sometimes just too much…but when given the oppo…

Big Ced is a passionate about the creative process of entertainment in all forums. He cares about the integrity of vision, relationships,and networking. I have never known Ced not to be a man of his word. I have never worked side-by-side you to know your temperament. I have never argued with you or cried because of you to determine whether you are selfish, mean, judgmental, etc. The Ced that I’ve always known for 20+ years has been a consistent friend who never stopped answering his phone for me whether I was on a hit show or unemployed. I know that you follow-through with your plan,you create opportunity for yourself and others and you work harder than most. I respect you!

Big Lez

Grade “A” in professionalism and knowledge of the entertainment industry. His support on both established and upcoming artists has heightened their visibility on a key note. CED is simply, one of the best and few who remain consistent in supporting our artists. Summed up — a gem to work with

Professional, reliable, open to various ideas, thinks outside the box, willing to give others opportunities. Identifies synergies between his passion/business and the passion/business of others. Works well with others.

Willing to help others, returns calls and messages. A person of integrity.